Kenny Chesney Covers 'Boston Common' Magazine Summer Issue

On hearing the news about the Boston Marathon bombings: “Watching the footage, I was stunned at first. And then, like for a lot of people, for me it turned to anger. Why do we live in a world where you can’t go to the movie theater in Colorado, where you can’t take your kids to school in Connecticut, where you can’t go watch a major sporting event in America? We should be able to cheer for our friends running in the Boston Marathon and be happy that they accomplished something so wonderful. Why can’t we do that?”

On launching a fundraiser for victims of the marathon bombings: “Bostonians have shown me so much love over the years, how could I not do something? God has given me this life where I can use music to help people. Regardless of your religious beliefs, political views, or your background, the one thing that’s most universal in our lives is the power and love of music. And music can help people heal. When I saw this happen, I thought of a song on the new record called “Spread the Love,” which seemed like the right message to send to people in Boston, especially those whose lives were changed in an instant, through no fault of their own. I’m excited that Boston radio stations and the Boston Medical Center have partnered with us. We’re also selling T-shirts to raise money for the fund. It’s one of the things that I’m most proud of in my whole music career.”

On getting the chance to practice with the New England Patriots: “It was so surrealâ€”the next thing you know I am in the huddle with Tom Brady, Wes Welker, and Deion Branch. And I’m going out there, thinking, this is unbelievable…I caught a few passes and I dropped quite a few. We had fun with it. I’ve become friends with them, and bonded with Bill Belichick because he loves music. There is this bond with all the athletes; a lot of the Red Sox guys, too. They love music and I love sports! There’s this little envy, on both sides. I would give anything to know what it’s like to play second base for the Boston Red Sox. I would love to be Dustin Pedroia. I’d also love to catch a pass. But I can’t do those things.”